Theatre New Brunswick, Monster House Publishing and NotaBle Acts Theatre Festival are each running events designed to get you writing.
Cameron Hatheway
It’s probably safe to assume that at least a few of us have a little extra time on our hands these days. If you’re someone who likes to start productive is no shortage of spring projects to keep you busy. Whether you’re putting in the time at home baking bread or purging some closet clutter, chances are you’re going to get the urge to be creative at some point. Here are three ways to remain productive AND contribute your voice to something original.
Tell Us A Story – A Writing Competition for Kids (Monster House Publishing)
Monster House Publishing is running a story contest for children ages 4 to 10. The winners will have their story turned into a book and published as part of the imprint’s 2020-2021 catalogue.
“Schools may be closed, but kids’ imaginations will never shut down!” says Monster House Publishing owner Paul McAllister. “Now is the perfect time to listen to our children, to cherish and embrace their ideas. Imagination is how we transcend our circumstances, we’ve seen it throughout history. We want the parents to be a part of this process too, but to really let each child guide the story’s direction.”
Deadline: April 24. Learn more at monsterhousepublishing.com
Dear Rona – Letters from Lockdown (Theatre New Brunswick)
Theatre New Brunswick wants to hear from you. Dear Rona – Letters from Lockdown is a story collection project documenting life in the time of coronavirus.
“Everyone is experiencing this pandemic in their own unique ways,” said TNB’s Director of Development and Communications Matt Carter. “Maybe you’ve reconnected with friends and family or have rekindled your love of reading. Maybe you’ve taken up baking bread, knitting or listening to your music collection with a new focus. Maybe you’ve been inspired by the kindness you’ve seen or offended by ignorance. Or maybe this whole situation has you worried about the future. Whatever the case may be, we’re encouraging everyone to share their experience and help us build something meaningful out of these terrible circumstances.”
All stories collected through this project will be used as a platform for inspiration to create a new original, multi-disciplinary performance piece. The collection process will continue until the fall at which time invited artists from various disciplines will work collaboratively to create a unique piece of art based on our collective experience as a community, a province and a country.
No deadline has been announced. Learn more at tnb.nb.ca/dearrona
Playwriting Competition (NotaBle Acts Theatre Festival)
NotaBle Acts Theatre Festival have been supporting new and emerging New Brunswick playwrights for several years now. Each new edition of the festival spotlights the work of new writers and provides them with top tier mentorship and development opportunities.
The festival is currently running two playwriting contests – one for all ages and one specifically for middle and high school students. The call is open to all writers interested in submitting work for three of the festival’s pillar programs: Taking it to the Streets (7-10 minute plays), Acting Out (30-60 minute one acts) and Street Scenes: Site Specific Plays.
The deadline for the main contest is April 23. The middle and high and school contest closes on May 22. Learn more at nbacts.com
